Call To Duty # 26

"Keji, Keji, Keeji!!!"
"What is it?!!"
"Guess what?"
"What?" Keji asked her friend who is obviously out of breathe. She took a moment to catch her breathe.
"The Corper...the Corper, Balogun and the Professor are at the Isale Odo path with some heavily built youths."
"What are they doing there and how does that concern us here?" Feeling disgusted.
"They say that they want to build a road there"
"Road? I don't understand."
"From what I can gather, the King had sent them to construct a road there"
"Haba! This our people self. I wonder how they think. What is wrong with the main road that passes through the town, instead of wasting time and effort on constructing a new road, why don't they just finish up this one that the State government refused to complete, ehn?"
"Abi o!"
"Anyway, na them sabi. Whatever they want to do, I wish them well. It's high time someone breaks the monopoly of the state government"
"Abi o.Government with all their false promises. In fact, I'm tired of them, Wallahi!" Lara commented.
"No be only you o! This is the more reason I shall be paying the levy promptly!"
"What levy, you mean the King's levy, are you serious Keji? Anyway, you are rich. I don't have money to waste in my own case"
"You see, this is the problem, this is the reason why no one has come out all this while. The people that you wish to sacrifice for, most often are not worthy of the sacrifice...they don't even think you are doing it for them. Their believe is that you are looking up to some rewards. So, they most often than not frustrate your effort in helping them. Ha! Africans, when shall we wake up, when shall we stop thinking like fools and wise up a little bit?" Keji lamented.
"Are you talking to me?"
"Does it look like I'm referring to you?"
"I mean, what have I said to deserve all those insults? You know what we go through when we travel to the hamlets where we get our raw materials from, the local government men are all over us in the market, now the King too wants to have a bite too? No way!!!" Lara declared. Keji looked at his friend pitifully and suddenly busted in to laughter.
"What's so funny about what I've said now?"
"Lara, haa! Na wa for you o! Ehn? I can't believe you are this ignorant! Wait o! Ever since the State and the Local government revenue workers have been collecting money from you, what have you gained from them?"
"Nothing! The more reason I'm not paying the King's levies!" Lara proclaimed. Keji shook her head in disappointment.
"The state and local governments collect N50 - N50 on daily basis from you and you can not even complain about it. The King is asking for just N100 per month from you and you have already judged the poor king before you even give it out!"
"Who can complain about the government? We all know what happens when you complain. The King of all people should know that it is not easy coping with all those taxes for him to compound our woes with his own customized taxes. What has the King too done for us, ehn?"
"He has conducted a Census and according to the Corper, the Census results shall help the King plan and serve us well. Where do we expect him to get the money with which he would carry out his proposed project for us. You said it yourself, the youths are already at the town's border, making moves to commence the construction of the much needed road for the town. This is the first time, the King is making such a bold step, why don't we at least pay the levies for a few months to see what comes out of it? "
"Keji, it's not easy..."
"I know, but we all know that we owe the King our loyal support...he's our King...our leader, we can't rubbish him like that, we shouldn't turn our backs on him especially when he hasn't done anything wrong so far to warrant that! He says he is ready to serve us, let's give him a chance...just a chance!" Keji urged her friend.
"Keji, Keji! A true Daughter of the land! I don hear o,I shall pay the levy"
"Ehen! Now you are talking!"
"So when are you going to pay?"
"I heard, the register is already open and people have started paying. Why don't we go tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow, Monday, no problem,I'll go with you!"
"Thank you my good friend...Ijinle ko ni baje o!"
"O baje ti" Lara responded. The two friends laughed it off.

______________________________________________

"Kabiyesi o!"
"Corpers, please, rise"
"Thank you Kabiyesi"
"You are welcome. You have come to see your friend?"
"Yes sir" Shade, Kole and Rachael chorused.
"That's good...that's good...Corper!" The King called out to Adisa who was actively supervising the work of the youths with the Professor, Balogun and the youth leader. He ran to meet them.
"Yes, Kabiyesi"
"Your Corper colleagues wants to see you. I don't know why they have refused to join you actively in the great work you are doing with us? May be you should talk to them too... I would really appreciate it if they'll do as you do" The king said.
"No problem sir. I believe they are working on one project or the other for the town.We have all agreed to leave a good impression and a memorable mark on the town before we leave sir"
"Is that true?" The King asked the other Corpers.
"Yes sir": They chorused.
"Ehen? That's interesting and good to know. I'll be expecting to see them."
"Yes sir" They chorused again.
"Alright then, Corper, as you already know, I'm taking my leave, please tell the others to supervise and see to it that the working youths are well catered for."
"Yes sir"
"Tell the Balogun to see to it that the youths go home with the special package I've provided for them."
"Yes sir"
"Okay. I'll leave you to attend to your colleagues now."
"Thank you sir. Kabiyesi o!" Adisa had said. His colleagues followed suit paying their respect to the King as he took his leave.
"Adisa disa! The Crown Prince of Ijinle town. Abegi, na wetin you see for inside this town sef?" Kole asked
"The Future"
"The Future?"
"Yes,the Future"
"What future? Abegi pack well!" Kole said. Adisa laughed.
"You'll never change. Anyway, guys, I've been longing to prove to the world that there are alternatives to the politicians. I figured out that this is the best way to prove my point so I keyed in"
"Does that mean that you had it all planned from the beginning...as in from the time you made that statement that got the King's attention?" Shade asked.
"Now, that's the thing with opportunities. They just come gboam! Like that...no warning at all. I didn't plan it this way, I made the statement out of conviction. But when I was asked to defend myself, I saw the opportunity not only to escape punishment but an opportunity to make my dream come true!"
"What dream is that?"
"To make myself both name and money!"
"Ehn?!" His colleagues exclaimed.
"Yes! What do you think I was aiming for?"
"I thought you were doing it simply out of love and passion for the people" Shade said. Others nodded in agreement.
"Yes, That's true, but, like you should know, the question is, in the end, what do I stand to gain as the hero of the people? Fame, Power and immense wealth of course!" Adisa laughed.
"Oh! That...pheew...that was a very, very expensive joke. Stop it!" Shade said with a deep sigh of relief.
"Yes. It's a joke and it is not a joke. It's also the truth...that's why it pays to be good. Be the people's hero and they'll literally worship you!" Adisa said.
"I see..." Kole commented.
"So, what brings you guys here?"
"Well...we thought you should share the booties with us"
"Booties?"
"Yes, the booties...in the same vain, we think it's equally imperative for us to contribute our quota to the CDS you seem to have monopolized"
"Monopolized? Please o, abegi o, I no monopolize anything o!"
"Oh yes you have...this one that you are asking everyone to contribute to the town's general development, who would listen to us if we ask for funds to build the labouratory we planned to build?" Kole asked.
"We...as in.. I don't understand" Adisa said.
"We, as in I and Rachael"
"Oh, I see. But what I'm doing does not stop you fa"
"We know, we were just kidding" Rachael who has been silent all the while said amidst a smile.
"Toor. Thank you, Rachael for saving the day"
"You are welcome"
"Is there anyway we can help...with anything?"
"Sure! There's plenty of room. You just tell me which part you wish to help with"
"No, I think you are in the best position to do that" Kole said.
"Okay guys,I'll see what I can do"
"Okay, no problem. Guys, let's go" Shade said. Just about then, Balogun called on him.
"I got to go...catch ya later"
"Byyyye!" Shade said childishly. Adisa looked at her and winked. She winked back with a smile. Kole, saw it all and coughed jokingly. Rachael laughed patting him gently at the back as they took their leave.

To be continued on Monday! 

Call To Duty # 25

"If you like slam your head into the Wall, I still refuse to be swindled. I will not partake!"
"It's okay, it's okay! We hear you. Jamiu, our friend have refused to be scammed, like we choose to be scammed. Let's leave him alone, after all, it's his life!"
"Abi o!"
"The only thing here is that when we start to dey enjoy the benefits of being scammed, make no one come dey disturb me o!" Akanni warned. Komlafe hissed.
"Siddon dia dey dream. I pity una. Ehen, when some people get scammed make dem no come my dommot dey cry o. Because, I go take style rubbish dem!" Komolafe too warned. Jamiu and Akanni looked at themselves and laughed.
"Let's change the subject abeg!" Akanni urged.
"Yes. My friends, I want to thank you both for being so nice to me. There was I thinking it was all over and you guys came to my rescue. It's only God Almighty that can repay you. I can't, I obviously can't!"
"It's okay Jamiu, haba, what are we friends for. Stop all those gratitude thing abeg, it's getting embarrassing!" Akanni responded.
"Eh, you won't understand, I know what I'm talking about"
"It's okay! Ah! We are here, we are here...we are here for one another. Whatever I do for you, I've done for myself abi Akanni? Talk now!"
"I have and I know he understands now. You see, Jamiu, you are like a brother to me and to him. When it comes to our daily lives, we are one and the same. The only difference here is the religion. He's a Christian, I'm a Muslim so are you. Even at that, we still celebrate together and wish ourselves well. It's only during the religious festive periods that we are not together. But that doesn't mean that I don't eat his food on Christmas day and he too accepts and eat Sallah meat.This is the only difference we allow in our relationship...religious matters only. We tolerate each other and forge ahead together!" Akanni explained.
"I know these things. I've been with you guys long enough to know that. It's just that I never expected the kind of financial help you've been offering me. Ordinarily, what happens is that I'll get sidelined the moment it's clear that you guys are on a higher level of finance. It happens everywhere! Instead of doing that, you guys decided to pull me along. I'm so grateful, May God Bless you guys abundantly!" Jamiu prayed.
"Okay. Now, I understand. But you need to stop the excessive thank you thing, okay? We don't like it. If we did something nice, you can say thank you that day and the following day and no more, okay?" Komolafe explained.
"Okay.Thanks for the info!"
"You're welcome"
"So, how far about the Woman, what do you think of her now?" Akanni changed the subject.
"Ah! That mad woman? Don't mind her, who knew she would end up paying so handsomely for the same set of fish she had so down played its quality?" Jamiu asked. Komolafe and Akanni laughed.
"Na so e be o! Na packaging!" Akanni answered.
"Ehen, packaging?"
"Yes na? If we hadn't repackage the fish for you, she would have done far worse things." Komolafe chipped in
"Ehen?"
"Yeeesss!"
"You need to know your customers and present your products to them the exact way they'll love to have it. That woman is no local woman, she is the working class type who would pay double for a product just because it is wrapped in some cheap fancy nylon bag!" Akanni continued.
"Really?"
"Yes! When I started selling bitter leaf and locust beans, all I do is to just put the leaves in a nylon bag after they must have priced it to the extent that all that's left for me on the vegetables is just a few Naira...sometimes, my profit is less than N5 on a bundle that I was expecting to make as much as N20"
"Ehn?"
"Today,I dry my locust beans after I have washed and mixed in some salt for preservation, I'll get myself small plastic bowls and stuff them in...I also get to grind some into powder. as for bitter leafs, I cure them, cut them into shreds and air dry them before I pack them in some fancy nylons. Come and see pricing!"
"Eeehn?"
"They no longer argue with me. I triple the price and they pay without a word of objection!" Akanni said.
"Wow!" Jamiu exclaimed.
"The same thing goes with my rice. I buy at very cheap price from my Tapa friend who sometimes give me a few more bowls as bonus. According to him, I'm his first customer that buy from him regularly. Others that buy as much as I do come only once in a while. He had also noticed that I tend to buy more every time I come around. To cut the long story short, I take the rice in its crude form and hire a few youngsters right there in the market to remove all the dirt for me. There are also some women I employ to use ordinary water in removing all the stones in the rice. All these costs me very little money. It's only after that I dry and bag the rice and print my name on it"
"Do you have NAFDAC number?"
"NAFDAC number, wetin concern me with NAFDAC number? I write the name sell like that!I no go international now,I've not even covered a local government. I'll get NAFDAC number when I might have covered more than half of the local governments in the state. Then, money go don full ground and na that time NAFDAC sef go dey find me. For now, I sure say dey no get my time!" Komolafe concluded. The three friends busted into laughter.
"So, Jamiu, the koko na packaging...na packaging we dey chop!" Akanni submitted.
"Okay! Now, I understand. Make I dey think of the best ways to package my fish now!" Jamiu said. They all laughed.

___________________________________________________

"Yes! Prof, you are right. The road should be the first!" Balogun said.
"What of the Secretariat?" asked the Corper.
"That has been taken care of for now. we can manage the rooms that the King have offered in the Palace. We need the road. If the residents of the town learn of our intention to construct a linking road to the Federal road, they'll be more than willing to join in." The Youth Leader explained.
"Hmmm...if only we can give them a road...." The Professor started
"The politicians would stop using it to score cheap political goals against us. I'm tired of hearing the same set of unfulfilled promises of the provisions of goods roads every 4 years. It's so annoying." Balogun complained.
"Okay sirs, I'm in."
"Good. Now is the time to pick on which road to work on." The Prof asked.
"That shouldn't be a problem. Which other do we know other than the main road we have in this town." Balogun replied.
"I don't think that would be a good idea" The Youth leader said.
"Why not? There are no other road available. Besides, it's our road isn't it?"
"No, it's the State's road?" The Professor commented.
"So what? It passes through our town, we have rights on the road" The Balogun protested.
"Yes, you do...Balogun, I'm sorry, it doesn't work that way. We cannot work on the road without permission from the state government..."
"What? Abomination!" Everyone else laughed.
"The State can sue us for trespassing if we do anything on that road without permission" The Professor concluded.
"Ah-ah, ah-ah! But we have worked on this same road severally without permission, why should we need permission to walk on it now?" Balogun lamented.
"Because, we suspect that the Governor is not happy with us now and he would fight back with all at his disposal. The road is definitely one of them." The Professor explains.
"Ehn, what do we do now? We need a road!" The Balogun declared.
"May I suggest we construct ours from the scratch?" The Corper chipped in.
"Ah! that's a very brilliant idea, Corper. I like that!" The Professor said
"Thank you prof" He responded.
"You are welcome, my dear."
"Would that not be too expensive for us?" asked the Balogun
"I don't think so sir?" replied the Corper.
"Hmmm...okay o! So, where do we start from" Balogun queried.
"I'm thinking of the Isale Odo" The Youth leeader suggested.
"Isale Odo? That's a foot path!"
"I know..."
"That's a perfect road to build. I know that path very well" The Professor interrupted.
"But, Professor, but, you know that there's a river on the way and there's another village on the other side of the foot path."
"Of course I do. The Happy thing is that Abule Agba is our sworn ally. We can even commence construction without permission. But, as you know, courtesy demands we consult with them first. That shouldn't be a problem." The Professor answered.
"Isale Odo. everyone agrees?" The Balogun inquired.
"Yes" was the chorus answer.
"Okay. Then, Olori Odo, move your men down to the place. They should start work immediately. I shall brief the King." The Balogun said.
"One more thing sirs" The Corper chipped in.
"Every man that would work with us must agree to the levy."
"Of course! All the three hundred are paying this month end. as a matter of fact, they think it is a very good idea and that they are with the King on this one" The Youth leader assured.
"Okay. Thank you for coming gentlemen. God bless us all" The Professor prayed. They all said 'Amin'

To be continued on Wednesday!

Call To Duty # 24

The Radio program was aired just hours before the message of the King reached the People. It came a night earlier. The King was initially worried,but, the Professor who heard the radio program too was there for the King. He asked the King to call for a town hall meeting at the market square where he, the Professor and the Corper would set the records straight.
During the meeting, the Professor explained, as the chief speaker that the Census truly had other uses other than knowing how many people to be catered for. In addition to levying the people, the Professor said that the Census makes budgeting easier and helps to curb wasteful spending. He also told the people that the Census would also help the King to know which project would serve the people  the best.
When the Corper stood up to make his speech, there was a commotion. People started chanting all sorts of songs and NYSC jargon.
Some went with 'Corper Shun', others were chanting 'Ajuwire'.After a while the Corper gestured for calm. That was when some women rounded it all up with a heroic song for the Corper.
The Corper, who was overwhelmed by the hailing of the people greeted in the local dialect of the people and they responded happily. He acknowledged the Professor's opening speech and praised the simplicity of the speech. He also said that the Professor had done all the hard work and as a matter fact, he is only going to talk because courtesy demands it.
The better part of his speech was based on patriotism and why it would be an act of tyranny and ignorance for anyone not to key into the developmental efforts of the King. He also warned the people that it is wiser to stick with the King than with the government that's very far away and doesn't seem to remember them with any project.
On the Radio program, he said that the people shouldn't be alarmed at all. According to him, the Commissioner was right. It's just that he wasn't telling the whole truth and that he doesn't blame him for that. He announced that the King is not forcing anyone in anyway to be a part of the program. As a matter of fact, no one shall be ridiculed for not being part of the system. It's just that such people too shouldn't expect anything from the King as well. But if he were in their shoes, he would go with the King especially when it's not by force like it is with the tax state government.
For that conclusion, the people gave him a standing ovation shouting his name and hailing him. The shouting and hailing went louder when he went to prostrate to the King.

___________________________________________________

Rachael and Kole were at the meeting. They waited to the end. They had gone on stage to rejoice with their colleague who obviously was glad that they were able to make it. Adisa had reserved their seat at a VIP table that's very close to the Royal table where he sat for lunch. After the lunch, it was time to go home. They walked home hand in hand. It was a work free day for them.
"Nawa o!"
"What?"
"Hmmm...I'm just thinking about it...the irony of life"
"Yea, life is full of ironies"
"I mean, check out our current status. Who would ever imagine that Adisa would outdo us socially?" Rachael protested. Kole laughed.
"No! Think about it! He is whining and dinning with the King while we are here legging it back home...Khaarrr! It's just disgusting!" Rachael lamented.
"Well, my dear, such is life. Like they say, there is always something to learn from every situation. I've learnt a great deal from this guy,Adisa"
"Really?"
"Yea"
"Okay. What have you learnt?"
"The first thing I've learnt is to always be at alert. To always be on the look for opportunities. Adisa made a big deal of the NYSC program. While I was thinking of getting a high paying job in a multi national company, Adisa was busy looking around making connections with the Local people. This was what led him to all this you know?"
"Yea, but, it wasn't wrong to dream big as you did."
"I know. But, it was wrong to presume that it can't happen in the village"
"How do you mean? I don't understand"
"Well, if Adisa succeeds with this pet project of his,it's a matter of time that he'll be offered a place in a multi national company or better still, the project becomes so successful that he wouldn't need to get a job ever,rather, he becomes employer of labour! Why do I aspire to work in a multi national, no be for the numerous benefits? Adisa no longer have to worry about that. He is the Boss!" Kole exclaimed.
"Hmmm...that's true, you know?"
"Yea" Kole replied. There was silence for a while as they make the corner to the Corper's lodge.
"Come to think of it. It wouldn't be wrong to work with our friend, Adisa,would it?" Rachael asked. Kole paused to look her in the eye.
"No. What are you driving at?" Kole queried.
"Well, as you can see, the Project is already a success, why don't we key into it when it's still this young? We've got nothing to loose"
"We've got everything to loose.Oh, common babe, you heard it yourself, the State government is not happy with it. Remember that we are here to serve. It wouldn't be nice to be in the bad books of the Governor you know? That would be how many years' hard labour going down the drain. Spare me please! It's not worth it!"
"Of course, it does. Besides, the Governor hasn't shown disapproval."
"Of course, he wouldn't for political reasons. But, deep down there is he pleased? Certainly not?" Kole argued. Rachael was quiet for a while.
"Okay, why don't we go this way? We shall be with him until the Governor shows up and ask we hands off it. Is that okay?" Rachael asked. Kole was not happy with the idea. Rachael was so persuasive that she had started leaning on his shoulder and pleading with the bedroom voice.
"But, are you sure you'll let go?"
"Of course! Why wouldn't I, no be wetin I won chop I dey find? I would be very foolish indeed to go for wetin go chop me!" She assures him. He smiled.
"Okay, let's go with him"
"Oh, thank you so much. I love you!" Rachael said kissing him.


To be continued on Monday! 

Call To Duty # 23

"Hmmm...Corper, that would be a bit difficult"
"I expect it to be, your highness. It's never easy nor is it a quick venture. That's the more reason I'm introducing it this early sir. This whole project hinges on it sir. Without it, the whole project would fail and we shall become the laughing stock of the state."
"God forbid!"
"Amin!" Everybody present exclaimed. The Professor stood to speak.
"Kabiyesi, you don't worry. We know how to make it work. Just give the go ahead and make the announcement. Everyone shall eventually join in...it's only a matter of time."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, Kabiyesi" The Professor affirms.
"Balogun...hmmm!"
"Kabiyesi, I want you to have faith in this project. we have gone too far into it to doubt it now."
"Ehn...but..."
"Ehn, Kabiyesi, I want you too trust in us. We shall deliver God's grace" Balogun assures the King.
"Okay... let's do this!"

__________________________________________________


"Wait o. Which is that they are starting with, the Secretariat, the Road or the Transport company?"
"Wetin concern you ehn?"
"I'm a bonafide indigene now"
"So?"
"Hey, hey. You guys should stop all those nonsense. we are in the city, remember. Na to chop we come here for not to start an unnecessary fight! The Corper has just begun...let's wait to find out which is which."
"See, Akanni, you don't understand. Rumors has it that we shall be levied"
"What?!" Akanni and Komolafe exclaimed.
"Ehen! And you are blaming me for wanting to know. Look, I don't know about you guys, but, as for me, should anyone think of getting money from me, he should be able to satisfactorily explain what he'll be using the money for!" Jamiu proclaimed. His friends were quiet for a while, they never saw it that way.
"Wait o, where is that information coming from?"
"From the market. Two women were discussing the matter. According to them, the Commissioner for Town and Urban planning was at the radio station and was interviewed about the matter. He was the one that made the statement."
"Really?" Akanni asked.
"Yes. According to one of the women, the Commissioner said that when a government conducts a Census, it is also to effectively tax the people. Meaning that in addition to development, the Corper would be suggesting a tax policy very soon."
"Who would pay? Ehen! I talk am! This one wey a non-indigene carry our matter for head so tay im dey talk of a greater Ijinle town...I get my doubts o. Wallahi!" Komolafe commented.
"Haba! Komolafe, you disappoint me. How you dey talk like woman like this. This is the more reason why we need to patiently wait to see what they are up to. Abi you think the State government would be happy to see any town develop without their help? Use your brain abegi!" Akanni rebuked his friend.
"Ehn, but, we cannot just sit back and wait. The Corper in question is my friend..." Jamiu started
"Uhn-uhn! Na my enemy" Komolafe interrupted.
"Na you sabi. All I know is that we need to know crystal clearly what we are about to get into. Period!" Jamiu stated.
"Well, we can't do that just yet. When we get home, we would do that...but,please, let's get something straight. We need to keep faith with the Corper and the King. There are too many involved for the Corper to commit such a grand offence as embezzlement without getting caught. We need to be calm and follow them to a very high extent. It's going to be a calculated risk just as coming to do business here is to us personally. I hope you understand?"
"If I get you right, we should play along until they disappoint us, then we can pull out, right?" Jamiu inquired.
"Yes."
"You guys can leave me out of that...one small boy can not come from his village to scam me here in my home town. Never!"
"Haba, Komolafe..."
"Wo, leave me o Akanni. What is it na? I say I no do. Period!" Komolafe retorted. His friends didn't say a word afterwards. He has obviously made up his mind on the matter.

__________________________________________________

 "Did you hear the News?" The Balogun asked the Corper as he bashed into the Chemistry Labouratory of the School. All the students looked up apprehensively. The Corper too was surprised.
The Balogun, having noticed that the Corper was not alone got hold of himself and concealed his anxiety. The students too responded by a chorus welcome to him and he responded warmly as if nothing has happened. The Corper then, excused himself from the practical class and gestured the Balogun to his cubicle.
"Can you imagine, the shameless Commissioner was at a radio program and was blabbing rubbish!"
"Balogun, please, calm down. One of my colleagues told me of the radio program and I listened to the end. There was nothing extra ordinary about the program"
"You think so, not even the levying part, how it is only the governments' levies that must be paid how paying the King's levy is optional and how much they are ready to prosecute anyone that would impose any levy that hasn't be ratified by the government?" The Balogun queried. The Corper busted into laughter.
"Young man, this is not a laughing matter at all!"
"I know sir, I'm very sorry...it's just that this matter is not a big deal at all!"
"Ah-ah...I don't understand!"
"Okay sir, I shall explain. To start with, obviously, the Governor have heard about the Census and he didn't like the idea"
"Yes"
"Ehen! It's only a matter of fact that he would do whatever he can to play down the potency of whatever the Census is all about. Another thing I want to believe that the Governor is aware of is that the town is embarking on a major developmental program and she is not involving the State government. That would be revolutionary and if it succeeds, there shall be many other 'copy cats' to follow. It could mean the end of his political career and that of all members of his party.They would fall out of the people's favor for not doing enough for the them. People like us would be targeted and silenced either voluntarily or forcefully!" The Corper explains
"Eh! Silenced?" The Balogun asked with wide opened eyes. The Corper laughed.
"Yes o, Balogun. There shall be a deliberate act to silence us. For the King, it shall be an offer of promotion and commencement of a couple of state projects in the Town."
"Hmmmm! Bad boy! This is what you have been waiting for...to get the Governor to promote the King as you promised"
"Yes sir" The Corper responded giggling. The Balogun sat back thoughtfully for a while.
"Ehn, Corper, the King would get what he wants...what about us, the chiefs and the people generally?"
"You too, shall get all that you truly deserve because all the bribes of this world cannot stop us from continuing this project. We'll only have to be smart about it."
"Smart about it, what do you mean, what is really going on?" The Balogun asked. The Corper sighed smiling to himself.
"It's a long story sir. You wouldn't understand and it is not advisable to divulge too much of the plan. I just want you sir, to keep calm and keep faith. We are all going to the top together with this!" The Corper assures. Balogun shrugged in agreement.
"Well, whatever you say Corper. Just don't forget me in this grand project of yours"
"Definitely not sir" Adisa said in the midst of laughter. The Balogun stood up still trying to understand what was discussed.
"Kai! I think I'm getting too old for all these" He concluded. The Corper started laughing again.

To be continued on Saturday!   

Call To Duty # 22

"What?!"
"Sir, I warned you o!"
"You mean he went ahead with the Census?"
"Yes, he did and it was very, very successful" The Chairman responded. The Governor sat back into his chair and slowly leaned back thoughtfully.
"Ah-ah. What is he up to?"
"I really don't know. This is the first I would hear of such. A king conducting a Census"
"Em...whatever it might be, I know for sure that it would involve the people.The best he can do is to try to put up a levy on the people."
"Levy?"
"Yes! What else could it be?"
"Ah,ah,ah! Your excellency, I now understand! The king is trying to get back his pound of flesh"
"Pound of flesh, how, what do you mean? I don't understand."
"Do you remember that your excellency had just upgraded some Royal fathers?"
"Yes"
"Well, he didn't make the list!"
"So?"
"Ah-ah...he's probably doing all these just to discredit you sir. I think he should be stopped"
"Discredit me? I still don't know how he can do that with a Census...or could it be...no way! Look, you don't worry, he wouldn't dare. But, if it's true and he tries in any way, I shall have him removed!"
"Okay sir. My candid advise is that you should ensure you keep an eye on him because he can be very funny as he is so daring and bold"
"Don't you worry my friend...don't worry!"
"And the levy?"
"Levy? Oh! That wouldn't be my problem...it's left for his people to decide what to do. The State and National taxes are high enough, I doubt if anyone would want to be saddled with a kobo more!"
"Okay sir. we should allow him?"
"Yes. If they accept, I wish them good luck!"
"Okay sir"

__________________________________________________

"Yes, you are right my dear. The Town is a typical Nigerian rural area setup that is full of stranded and frustrated subsistence farmers! The best help they can get and in fact, their immediate need is a ready made market for their farm produce."
"Yes sir. This is why I am proposing the Road construction after the Purchase of the Fleet of cars for the Transport company."
"Road? Is that not too ambitious?"
"Yes, I agree with the Youth leader. In as much as we all want to get things done quickly and hitch free, we'll need to watch what we plan to do. Road construction is capital intensive. This is why you see everyone leave the task to the government. The Federal especially" The Professor said
"I know sir. But I'll like to assure you that we can do this the most effective way. All I need is your full cooperation sirs."
"You already have that, Corper. What exactly do you have in mind?" Balogun chipped in.
"Thank you sirs. What I have in mind sir, might sound funny but it's something that we can do and have our way with it. We'll need at least a hundred able bodied youths and a huge clay deposit." The Corper revealed. His audience looked at each other and busted into laughter.
"It can't be what I think it is, could it?" The Professor asked.
"Yes, it is sir."
"Fired bricks?"
"Yes sir!"
"Wow!" The Professor exclaimed.
"You are so daring. I like that!"
"Thank you sir."
"But, a hundred youths wouldn't be enough"
"It depends sir. The Dry season has just commenced. I think we can complete this before the Rains are back" The Corper explains.
"Hmmm...that's true. But can't we make provisions for more men?" The Youth leader inquires.
"Of course we can. I'm just being conservative that's all"
"In that case,I propose two hundred" The Professor said
"Let's make it three sir" The Youth suggested.
"Well done Olori odo. Now, we need to know how much it shall cost to employ the youths and for how long they shall work?" The Balogun contributed.
"That's no problem, sir, I'll handle that. I can get the three hundred youths who would accept half of the normal pay of a labourer in a day would work for as long as is necessary!"
"Hm! I trust you. You have them all at your beck and call"
"Yes o, Balogun! That's why I'm a the Youth leader"
"Yes.It's good to know that you are serving us well." The Professor said.
"So, when should I start recruiting?" The Youth leader asked.
"Immediately of course!" The Professor exclaimed.
"Yes na! Olori odo, you don't need to ask now!" Bolgun added
"I'm sorry. I just don't want it to look like I'm being naive"
"It's okay. Commence recruitment immediately...or Corper, what do you think?" Balogun asked
"That's right sir. We need to start work ASAP!"

__________________________________________

"Tehahahahahaha!" Komolafe laughed hysterically.
"And what's so funny?!" Jamiu asked angrily. Komolafe was still laughing.
"Komolafe now. Behave!" Akanni weighed in.
"I'm sorry, don't mind me...aah...I'm sorry...I'm no longer laughing" Komolafe said as he tries to get hold of himself.
"Let's forget it. Just forget it" Akanni said as he gestured with his hand.
"The Weekend is at the Corner. How do we do?"
"I think we have agreed to rest this weekend and make our hustlings strictly during week days?" Komolafe responded.
"Yes, but, you know, Jamiu and his new customer..." Akanni had started when Komolafe started laughing again.
"I'm sorry...it's so funny to me!" Komolafe apologized.
"Jamiu, don't mind him...you know him now"
"Eh...I do...but...it's most unfortunate"
"Ah-ah, Jamiu. I said I'm sorry. You know what? Don't you worry, I and Akanni shall help you out. Don't worry...ehn?"
"Hmmm...it's okay. Thank you both"
"You are welcome" They chorused.


To be continued on Wednesday!

Call to Duty # 21

"Hahahahahaha!"
"But, sir, this is not funny...I'm serious here sir!"
"My brother, relax, there's nothing real that would come out of the exercise. Census, na yam?" The governor said as he's about to start laughing again.
"Well, sir,I thought so initially, but from the way the King is taking the matter,I don't think it's going to end like that sir."
"Where will he get the resources from,talk of the man power, the analysis, the technical know how...expertise...you name it! He doesn't have what it takes. Trust me!" The Governor assures the Chairman.
"Well....sir....if you say so. But, sir...."
"There's no cause for alarm...the Census is the Joke of the Century!" The Governor said. The Chairman shrugged his shoulders in agreement.
"Let's change the subject, shall we?"
"Okay sir"

___________________________________________

A week after the Local Government Chairman (LG Chairman) reported the Cencus to the Governor, the Cencus commenced. It was unprecedented. The residents of Ijinle came out en mass to be counted. The sensitization program is probably the motivating factor. The people have been highly educate as per the importance of the exercise.They understand how it is important to the imminent development of the Town and they are very read to cooperate and play their part in community service which the Corper have spurred them to do.
By the Eve of the Sixth day, everyone has been counted.The Corper himself didn't expect that it would end so soon.But as it turned out, it did. This is due to the fact that there were triple of the targeted number of volunteers who were all happy to help with the program for free.Hence, the Corper was able to safe a couple of thousands of Naira.
The Analysis of the Data collected was done by a friend of the Professor from the University along with a team of final year students of Statistics.This, however took time. This is because the Professor insisted on the full analysis of the Data collected.
By the Time The Corper was interpreting the Data to the Royal Council, everyone was spell bound including the King who was obviously over joyed by the new power and knowledge over his people. Now, he knows exactly how to help his subjects and improve their living standard. So, when the Corper was through with his presentation. He stood to his feet to applaud the Corper and his Council members followed suit.
"Corper, weldone!" The King said as he stopped applauding and gestured others to stop too.
"Professor, thank you so much! I really appreciate this very kind gesture of yours. You shall be remembered for this invaluable sacrifice you have made for Ijinle town."
"The Pleasure is mine Kabiyesi. You see, I think the person we need to show appreciation to the most is the Corps member Adisa. He is the cause of this historic event. I mean, if not for him, none of us was going to do anything. Even if he pulls out right now....the Job would still be done. Yet, he shall still enjoy the status of the originator of this project that we have just begun. From the way the analysis has been done, it would be clear to him that we mean business and we know exactly what he wanted to do with the Data. Abi, Corper?" The professor asked turning to the Corper who nodded with a smile.
"You see? So, Kabiyesi, you don't worry everything would work out on the positive God's grace."
"Ashe!" Everyone responded.
"Corper, I hope you heard the Professor, he should be carried along especially when it comes to the technical parts of the project."
"Most definitely sir. In fact, I shall go home with him today. There are certain areas I like to consult him about already."
"Oh, that's beautiful! O' people of Ijinle, I congratulate you on the new dawn that has beset our town. May we all be prosperous from it o!" The King prayed.
"Asheee" The chiefs chorused.

___________________________________________

Akanni had just taken his bath and was head to the living room to take his breakfast on the Bright Sunday morning. He arrived town along with his friends from their first business trip the previous night. He hadn't the time to ask about the Cencus that night. All he did when he arrived was to take a shower, eat and pounce on his very beautiful loyal wife who served him dinner in a very sexy silky and transparent  short night gown. He had no choice but to indulge after which he slept off like a baby.
"Keji, how far, is the Corper and Professor through with the Cencus, what is the latest news?" He asked
"News? There's nothing special...the only thing we heard was that the counting is over. According to my source, they are sorting out the results"
"Sorting out? I don't understand."
"Neither do I. He used one kind English like that....ehen! Analysis!" Keji exclaimed.
"Have you checked out the meaning?" Akanni asked as he stood up to reach for his Dictionary.
"No, I didn't. I left for to sort out." Keji said smiling. Akanni looked at her smiling back.

To be continued on Saturday!

Call To Duty # 20

"Kabiyesi o!"
"Arise. Chairman, hope all is well? I'm surprised to see you."
"Yes, Kabiyesi, I know you'll be and sincerely, I've come to fight with you!"
"Fight, why, what have I done?"
"I can't believe that you are capable of embarking on such a big project like that without letting me know of it"
"Which project?"
"The Census, Kabiyesi! Do you think I will not know about it?" The Local Government Chairman lamented. The King laughed.
"The Census, is that why you are so angry? Okay, I'm sorry. I didn't know you'll have  the time for such petty issues. I mean I've sent several emissaries to your Secretariat, in fact, I had gone there personally severally and I'll be told you are unavailable. Each time, I left a message hinting as to how important the issue I have come to discuss with you is to me.I would wait, hoping to hear from you and I'll come around again....it's the same story recurring over and over again.This is why I decided to stop coming and find an alternative. To God be the Glory, Chairman, you heard of just the Census abi? Well, I can assure you, more are still to come!" The King responded. The Chairman was silent for a while.
"Ehn...Kabiyesi...I'm sorry...you see,I am always very busy. As a matter of fact, I just forced out sometime to come over..."
"To fight?!"
"Ah - ah, no ooo...haba! Fight ke? I was just joking.It's just that I was not happy...I felt shortchanged  when I heard that you're about to embark on the Census of the town without consulting with me first..."
"Must I consult with you?"
"Ehn..not really, Kabiyesi, but you know that we are closer to the government than you and ..."
"Leave that one,my friend! Was that not why I've been visiting your secretariat so often,did you attend to me?"
"Kabiyesi,I know I've offended you and I'm here to make amends...I..I'm sorry...so sorry!" The Chairman said remorseful bowing gently in his seat. The King was happy. He had won.

"It's okay. It's all over" he said proudly.

"Thank you very much sir,for your understanding and your fatherly pardon,may you reign forever!" The Chairman prayed. The King laughed.

"Ashe" he responded.

--------------------------------------------------

It has been 3 days since Lara and her friend spoke concerning husband and wife matter. Lara is still having sleepless nights over the matter. She's still not satisfied. So she had to bring it up again.

"Keji,are you not scared of a second wife?" Lara asked.

"Second wife,what second wife... Lara,what are you talking about?"

"Akanni...should Akanni marry a second wife,how are you going to take it?" Lara asked directly. Keji,paused a bit to think about it. 

"I'll take it in good faith"

"Ehn,in good what? We are talking of a second woman in the house! God forbid!" Lara said. Keji smiled.

"If Akanni takes up another wife,I'll gladly welcome her to the house...after all 'Ka rin ka po,yiye ni nyeni'" Keji replied.

* It means that it pays to have more people around*

"Hey...Keji, I pity you!"

"Ehn,what do you want me to do about it? When a man is rich and bouyant enough,he marries a second,third even a fourth wife. It's not a new thing now!"

"Ha! Keji,do you know what you are saying?"

"I know exactly what I'm saying. I need help with Akanni...he's so demanding"

"Demanding...what could he possibly be demanding that you can't afford to give?"

"Sex!" Keji responded almost instantly. There was a momentary silence. Then the duo bursted into laughter.

"Whenever we are alone like this,he'll do it over and over again. When I asked if he'll get weary of sex. He said my body won't let that happen"

"Hmmm?"

"He said I'm so sexy that he feels like doing it all the time"

"Swear!"

"I swear!"

"Hey! That's serious!"

"Walahi" Keji confirms. There was another moment of silence.

"Well...can't you talk this over with him?"

"With who,as how,that he should stop being romantic or he should stop admiring me? No now,I can't do that. I can only speak out when I'm not in the mood which is very rare...make I no lie you,Akanni handles his business very well...so well that you'll wish to continue even when your body obviously have had enough!" Keji explained.

"I love him for that!"

"Wow!"

"Yes o!"

"Do you know that you'll be missing all that if he gets married to another woman?"

"No,I won't. The last thing Akanni would do is deny you your rights. He gives what is due to me even when there's a misunderstanding between us. I once asked him about it. Do you know what he said?"

"No,you tell me"

"He said that he would be queried by God if he doesn't do it"

"Ehn?!"

"Yes o! As you can now see,there's no reason why I would discourage him from taking up another wife. There are many reasons why I'll rather encourage than discourage him."

"Really?"

"Yes!"

"Enlighten me please!" Lara asked mockingly 

"Okay. My baby boy is now 3 years old and my eldest son is 12. If he gets married to another woman now,one,I shall be relieved of the sexual burden to a very high extent,two, I won't be cooking everyday anymore. I would gladly shed 4 days to the new wife which is fair enough. That's a lot of free time I can either spend resting or doing more business... I could go back to school and pick up a career of my choice....there are so many possibilities and positivities for me to turn it down. It's going to be a win-win situation all the way. Polygamy is not a curse...it all depends on how you see and take it. It can be a curse and it can be a source of blessings in abundance!" Keji explained. Her friend was watching in awe. Her friend,Keji is now a pro in marital matters and she didn't know.

"Wait a minute. Where did you learn all that stuff?" Lara inquired . Keji smiled.

"From my Grandma,an experienced wife in and from a polygamous family" Keji replied proudly.

"Hmm! No wonder!" Lara exclaimed. Keji laughed.

"So what you are saying is that you don't fear being abandoned by your husband or outperformed by the new wife?" Lara wanted to confirm.

"No. He won't abandon me because I'm  an attention seeker. If she outperforms me,I'll be very happy because I won't be missed badly when I'm away.I can concentrate on what I'll be doing and would only come around when I'm in need of that thing"

"Hey! Keji,I fear you o!"

"Why now?"

"You are so,so deep!" Lara said. Keji laughed.

"You blame me? No be my fault na,I have to be if I must enjoy life. Thanks to Grandma who has taken me up in her wings of experience!"

To be continued on Saturday!